Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme: India and Soft Power
In order to promote India as MICE Destination (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism and India Convention Promotion Bureau are organizing this ‘MICE Roadshow – Meet in India’ at the heart of Incredible India from 25-27 March 2021 at Chhatrasal Convention Centre, Khajuraho. This event will be an effort under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, realizing India’s MICE potential. The roadshow will be an opportunity to focus on the Government’s initiatives in developing India as a MICE destination with infrastructure and an eco-system pan-India that will favourably place India amongst the global competitors.
LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS
The Ministry of Tourism has framed ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’ a Central Sector Scheme for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach. The identified tourist sites to be developed as iconic destinations under the scheme are Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves(Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort & Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva Beach (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath , Dholavira & Statue of Unity(Gujarat), Khajuraho (MP), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala), Konark(Odisha) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).
There will be overall development from the tourism point of view in and around these sites — which includes roads and infrastructure, hotels and lodges, connectivity and access” In keeping with international standards, interventions in and around the monuments will have elements of universal accessibility, green technology, and enhanced security for tourists. The initiative is aimed at enhancing India’s soft power.
SOFT POWER
Coined by Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, the term “soft power” — the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without force or coercion; the ability to shape their long-term attitudes and preferences; use of positive attraction and persuasion to achieve foreign policy objectives; to achieve influence by building networks, communicating compelling narratives, establishing international rules, and drawing on the resources that make a country naturally attractive to the world.
India and its cultural diversity means that India never ran short of soft power. From India’s long history, culture and civilization ,Indian dances and performing arts, historical monuments and epics, Indian cinema as well, the diversity of Indian food, shows the depth of India’s Soft Power.
Religious tourism into India is a major factor in our external relations. Connected to religious aspects of India are Yoga and Meditation, which have become household terms in most countries;United Nations declare June 21 as the Global Yoga Day a few years ago. Indian Diaspora namely NRIs and PIOs play a vital role in projecting its Soft Power.
India’s foreign assistance to other developing countries, India’s role in humanitarian and disaster relief operations and the attraction of India as a higher education hub for developing countries in Asia and Africa; India’s medical supply diplomacy during the coronavirus pandemic crisis has reached not only to neighbouring countries but also to any country, requesting supplies and assistance.
Others will respect and admire us only if we do what we preach. They would judge us by our commitments to our promises. This is particularly relevant in the case of Development Partnership Projects in Developing Countries. In International Relations, nothing is more important than credibility of one’s statements.
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